A US Appeals Court on Monday upheld a $5 million jury verdict against President-elect Donald Trump for sexually abusing writer E. Jean Carroll in 1996. The court also denied Trump’s request for a retrial, citing the strength of Carroll’s case, CNN reported.
Trump’s Challenge Rejected
Donald Trump had challenged the verdict, arguing that the trial judge made errors, including allowing testimony from two other women who had accused him of assault. However, the appeals court ruled that these alleged errors did not affect Trump’s rights or the outcome of the case.
The Allegations
E. Jean Carroll accused Trump of raping her in a Bergdorf Goodman department store in 1996. Trump denied the allegations, defamed Carroll by saying she wasn’t his type, and suggested she fabricated the story to sell her book.
“Both E. Jean Carroll and I are gratified by today’s decision. We thank the Second Circuit for its careful consideration,” said Carroll’s attorney, Roberta Kaplan.
The civil verdict does not carry jail time but awarded Carroll $5 million in damages.
Defamation Verdict Pending Appeal
Trump has also appealed a separate jury verdict awarding Carroll $83.3 million for defamation after he denied the sexual abuse allegations. This case falls under the New York State Adult Survivors Act, which allows victims to file claims even after the statute of limitations has expired.
Trump’s Response
Trump’s spokesperson, Steven Cheung, reiterated the former president’s stance, calling the case a politically motivated hoax.
“The American people demand an end to the political weaponization of our justice system. Appeals are forthcoming,” said Cheung.
Implications Moving Forward
This decision marks another legal setback for Trump, who continues to face multiple investigations and lawsuits. Despite his legal challenges, Trump remains focused on his political ambitions, as his team works to appeal the verdict.
